Many lawyers now find that they have much newer, and better, computers, cell phones and software at home than they have at work. And some companies are looking to cut costs by requiring their employees to purchase their own equipment. Are these trends changing the way both lawyers and their firms handle technology in the workplace? In this episode, co-hosts Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell discuss the implications of this new kind of “digital divide” and the changes we are already starting to see.

We had been thinking about this topic for a while and a great podcast called “Work-life balance: yesterday’s news?” from the Financial Times Digital Business podcast motivated us to feature this topic.

Here’s the basic premise. We’ve reached a point where many lawyers are likely to have better technology at home than the technology supplied by their firms and available at their offices. Because of the many different choices we have for our home computers, smart phones and the like, we are also likely to have home technology that we prefer to work with more so than standard firm-issue, one-size-fits-all computers and cell phones.

The question we discuss is: what are the implications, if any, of this trend?

We talk about different approaches we’ve seen to allowing awider variety of tech choices, allowing use of home equipment, and even approaches where employees might be required to provide their own computers. Of course, we delve into the potential benefits and risks of approches that involve use of home computers in the work setting, including support, security and even e-discovery implications. We give you plenty to think about.

We also take on a few audience questions. We always welcome your questions. We tackle the question whether it’s time to think about leaving Facebook (we don’t think so) and get Tom’s thoughts an interesting social media tool called Gist.

We end the podcast with our Parting Shots – practical tips you can use right away. Tom recommends a book called Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. I recommend a simple free recording program called Freecorder 4 as a way to “tivo” a quick recording of the audio from a video that you can listen to later on your iPod.

Now Available! The Lawyer’s Guide to Collaboration Tools and Technologies: Smart Ways to Work Together, by Dennis Kennedy and Tom Mighell. Visit the companion website for the book at LawyersGuidetoCollaboration.com. Twitter: @collabtools

Dennis Kennedy

DennisKennedy.Blog was launched on February 15, 2003.

Dennis Kennedy is one of the few technology lawyers who is also an expert on the underlying technologies. Dennis an award-winning leader in the application of technology and the Internet to the practice of law.

This site gives you access to a wide variety of Dennis Kennedy's writings and information about how you can have Dennis speak to your organization or group.

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Dennis Kennedy is one of the most knowledgeable legal technologists you will find. - Michael Arkfeld.

Dennis Kennedy, a lawyer and legal technology expert in St. Louis, Mo., has been a significant influence in the ever-evolving relationship between lawyers and the Web. - Robert Ambrogi